Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food is a USDA-wide effort to create new economic opportunities by connecting consumers with local producers. It is also a resource to better understand where your food comes from and how it gets to your plate.

The Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food initiative supports local farmers and community food groups; strengthens rural communities; enhances direct marketing and farmers' promotion programs; promotes healthy eating; protects natural resources; and helps schools connect with locally grown foods.                   

Rural Development provides funding to ensure farmers continue to contribute to local economies and take steps to develop critical infrastructure in communities across America.

Rural Development strives to assist farmers, help consumers access nutritious foods, and support rural community development.                                                                     

Community Facilities Program:

·         Offers direct and guaranteed loans and grants designed to finance the development of over 80 different types of essential community facilities serving rural areas.

·         Facilities include, but are not limited to, hospitals, elderly care facilities, child care centers, fire and rescue stations, vocational and medical rehabilitation centers, schools, public transportation infrastructure, and projects that support local and regional food systems.

·         Eligible applicants include rural communities and non-profit organizations.

·         Loans are made at below-market, fixed interest rates.

·         Grants are limited to projects with high financial need that serve low income communities.

·         Eligible expenses include land acquisition, construction of facilities, necessary fees, and equipment.

• Community must be under 20,000 in population.

Grants range from 15%-75% and require matching funds.

Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

·         Food Banks/Shelves – purchase building and equipment, purchase vehicles for food delivery, renovations, and new construction

 

·         School Cafeterias – purchase equipment, renovations, and central processing and distribution centers.

 

·         Farmers Markets - purchase building, renovation, and new construction.

 

·         Community Gardens – purchase real estate and infrastructure to connect to the water sources and/or provide irrigation.

• Community Kitchens – purchase equipment, renovations, or new construction.